As you like it

Last evening, I attended an intimate event at The Players Club in New York City located on Grammercy Park.   The Princess Grace Awards is an organization committed to helping emerging artists realize their career goals.  The evening titled, “The Long and Winding Road:

From Emerging to Established Artist” included three artists engaged in an informal in-depth conversation between Estelle Parsons and Toccarra Cash (a 2007 Princess Grace Award Winner) moderated by Dick Cavett.

While each of us are on our own pursuit on this long and winding road, the actors shared wise words, “Be true to yourself” – “Hold a mirror to see if you like what you see” – “Fear is good.”

Estelle won an Academy Award for the movie Bonnie and Clyde and everyone loved that her Award used to sit high up on a shelf and after years of reaching for it to show when asked, she decided to keep it “on the floor” – sort of a stage if you will. ( Some actors have been known to carry it around for special treatment.)  Not Estelle, there is not one ounce of false pretense, she was warm, witty and down to earth.  She is about to go on a 44 week traveling tour with the play “August: Osage County.”  Please see it – if it comes to you.  Estelle is full of energy and passion on and off stage.

Toccarra Cash will make her theatre debut:  the off-Off Broadway production Bonfire Night, 

a new  play by playwright, Joan Baker, which will open May 6th through May 10th at the cell Theatre.  Toccarra spoke so eloquently of her passion for acting and having met James Earl Jones as a memorable moment.  Ms. Cash shared her tips for surviving rejection, having a good support system around you, family and friends and a strong spiritual values to provide a soft place to turn to helps her and to realize that the details are so “miniscule” in this business.  

Ms. Cash is stunning and was articulate, a lady and has an infectious laugh.  I hope to see more of Ms. Cash pursue her dreams as an actor, she radiates elegance and star quality.

Dick Cavett, a media and theatre legend was the moderator and he did a great job of fielding answers as well as giving his own witty insight.  “Talk Show” Cavett’s blog currently appears on the New York Times website.  I spoke with Mr. Cavett and told him how honored I was to know that I was blogging with the best of them.  

Do you know of an emerging artist, dancer or actor – that would benefit from a little recognition from the Princess Grace Foundation?  I am more than happy to share this with the foundation.  During these challenging times, we need to remember those that entertain, so I encourage each of you to support a worthy cause for the Arts.  The Players Club was founded for Edwin Booth, a place that actors could go to off the beaten path.  It is a stunning spot full of history right in the heart of Grammercy Park.  Stanford White was the architect of this wonderful building.  These places also need our support to continue to thrive for future generations.  Do you support any local art charities?